Wales boss Ryan Giggs has tipped Gareth Bale to succeed in the spotlight at Real Madrid following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.
The Portugal international moved to Juventus in the summer, leading to many questions over which Blancos players can shine in the absence of the former team talisman.
However, Bale has impressed this season so far under new boss Julen Lopetegui, scoring in Real's opening two La Liga wins.
"Every year there is pressure on him and he has handled it brilliantly," Giggs told BBC Sport on Wednesday.
"It's a bit different this year because Cristiano has left and there will be more focus on the players who are going to replace the goals and be in the spotlight because a player like Cristiano has gone.
"Gareth can handle anything that is thrown at him. This season he has started on fire. There's never really a time when he is not playing well.
"I think always the problem with Gareth has been injury, he's then had to come back and get more game time. But when he plays he always plays well and more or less scores."
Bale has been included in Wales's 25-man squad for the inaugural UEFA Nations League qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
Giuseppe Labellarte
